Concrete pump prime out bag

ABSTRACT

A concrete pump prime out bag configured to collect concrete prime out contaminant for disposal. The concrete pump prime out bag has a stem portion and a body portion that can retain the concrete pump prime out bag in an upright position. The stem portion is tapered, having an inverted funnel-shaped configuration with one end having an opening for receiving the concrete truck delivery hose and the other end formed onto the body portion. The concrete pump prime out bag also includes a fastener and an elastic band around the stem portion, adjacent to the bag opening. A concrete truck operator can use the elastic band to substantially secure the bag opening around the delivery hose. An air valve is also disposed on the stem portion to release air pressure as concrete prime out is deposited into the concrete pump prime out bag. The concrete pump prime out bag also includes a fastener and a bag seal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to construction systems and methods and more specifically to construction systems and methods for collecting concrete prime out contaminants for disposal.

One building material that is indispensable to many construction projects is concrete. Without concrete, foundations, retainer walls and other essential portions of any construction project cannot be formed. The task of dispensing concrete at a job site is usually undertaken by a concrete boom pump truck. A concrete boom pump truck can be parked at any suitable location on the jobsite and can then deliver concrete to a pour area. A concrete boom pump truck is described with further reference to FIG. 3.

Typically, the concrete boom pump truck must discharge the initial concrete flow called concrete prime out (or slurry) before usable concrete can be delivered to the pour area. Concrete prime out itself is too runny for use at the pour location and is usually allowed to flow through the concrete truck delivery hose for collection and disposal. Concrete prime out is considered caustic with a high PH level. It contains calcium sulphate and other environmentally hazardous contaminants. Concrete prime out can also cause environmental and urban run-off pollution. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency now imposes very severe fines for environmental violations such as improper discharge of concrete prime out at construction sites.

Conventional techniques for collecting concrete prime out have a number of short-comings. In one such technique, operators can build a 15′ by 8′ steel container with plastic lining to collect concrete prime out. Not only does this method incur significant expense, oftentimes, operators cannot find sufficient space on the jobsite for the steel containers. In another technique, operators can pump the concrete prime out into another concrete truck. However, this method can contaminate existing concrete within the concrete truck as concrete prime out will often contain oil lubricants that were used to flush out the concrete boom truck delivery hose.

In another technique, operators can use a rectangular disposal bag along with a corresponding kit to collect the prime out. Not only is the rectangular disposal bag expensive, many operators find that the corresponding kit is difficult to utilize. Moreover, in order to remain upright, the rectangular disposal bag must be held either by two operators or by four rebars, one for each of the four corners of the rectangular disposal bag.

There is a need to address one or more of the foregoing disadvantages of conventional systems and methods and the present invention meets this need.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of a concrete pump prime out bag can be found in exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In a first embodiment, a concrete pump prime out bag configured to collect concrete prime out contaminant for disposal is disclosed. As discussed above, concrete prime out is a caustic contaminant and can cause environmental and urban run-off pollution. Concrete contaminants are typically collected from mobile concrete delivery trucks before usable concrete can be delivered.

Among other components, the concrete pump prime out bag of the present embodiment has a stem portion and a body portion that can retain the concrete pump prime out bag in an upright position for prime out collection. The stem portion is tapered as has an inverted funnel-shaped configuration.

One end of the stem portion has a delivery hose receiving opening for receiving the concrete truck delivery hose while the other end of the stem portion is continuously formed onto the body portion. By using the inverted funnel configuration, the size of the delivery hose receiving opening can be tailored closer to the diameter of the delivery hose. Thus, one embodiment, the diameter of the delivery hose receiving opening is smaller or substantially the same as that of the delivery hose outlet.

The concrete pump prime out bag also includes an elastic band formed around the stem portion, adjacent to the delivery hose receiving opening. A concrete truck operator can extend the elastic band and the opening to receive the delivery hose. When released, the elastic band causes the delivery hose receiving opening to form a substantially secure fit around the delivery hose. An air valve is also disposed on the stem portion to release air pressure as concrete prime out is deposited into the concrete pump prime out bag. The concrete pump prime out bag can also include a fastener and a bag seal.

Thus, the present invention provides various advantages that no conventional system has disclosed to date. The present configuration enables the concrete pump prime out bag to remain upright without the use of rebars or additional operators that can significantly increase expenses in the form of man-hours. Another advantage of the present invention is that the concrete pump prime out bag is transparent such that a concrete truck operator can observe the discharge of concrete prime out and determine when to deactivate the concrete boom pump truck. Further yet, the concrete pump prime out bag of the present invention forms a substantially secure fit around delivery hose such that no accidental discharge of concrete contaminant can occur.

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention herein may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the attached drawings. Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, are described in detail below with respect to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a concrete pump prime out bag according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A shows a concrete pump prime out bag according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B shows a concrete pump prime out bag according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2C shows a front cross-sectional view of the concrete pump prime out bag of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a mobile concrete boom pump truck in accordance with the prior art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows concrete pump prime out bag 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a user or concrete truck operator 102 can use bag 100 to collect concrete prime out 116 for disposal. Concrete prime out 116 is a runny mixture of water and concrete mix that initially flows when concrete is delivered by a concrete delivery truck. Concrete prime out 116 can also contain oil lubricants for priming the concrete truck delivery hoses before the concrete is delivered. Note that the terms “concrete slurry” and “concrete prime out” are used interchangeably and both refer to one and the same subject matter.

Operator 102 can employ bag 100 for collection and disposal of concrete slurry without the environmental hazard or urban runoff pollution associated with conventional systems and methods. Bag 100 is itself generally formed from a flexible synthetic resin such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or polyurethane. LDPE is preferable in order to provide resistance to caustic compounds, high tensile strength, clarity, flexibility and water proofing.

Preferably, bag 100 is formed from a single sheet of material for integral construction, with a bottom portion that can be heat sealed. The thickness of bag 100 preferably ranges from 0.02 inches-0.3 inches and more preferably between 0.04 inches-0.2 inches. Preferably, bag 100 has sufficient tensile strength to collect and retain about 1-2 yards of concrete contaminant.

As shown, bag 100 comprises upper stem portion 101 and lower body portion 103. Lower body portion 103 itself tapers into upper stem portion 101, which itself narrows towards delivery hose receiving opening 105 to form an inverted funnel-like configuration. The taper amount from lower body portion 103 can vary and depends primarily upon the size of delivery hose 104 from which concrete prime out 116 is received.

For example, the smaller the outlet aperture of delivery hose 104, the more tapered upper stem portion 101 becomes. In an alternate embodiment, the taper amount can remain the same irrespective of the size of delivery hose 104. Note that as used above, the term “stem” refers to a narrow cylindrical shaped section for connecting two parts.

As shown, upper stem portion 101 includes a number of components namely delivery hose receiving opening 105, elastic band 106 and fastener 108. Other components also include bag seal 112 and air release valve 110. As shown, air release valve 110 is disposed upon reinforced area 111 formed from a rigid synthetic material. The area of reinforced area 111 is no more than a few square inches. By using a rigid and resilient material, air release valve 110 becomes resistance to shear forces that can tear off the air vent. The rigid material can be of a separate type from that used for bag 100. Alternatively, the rigid material can be the same except that the material for reinforced area 111 is considerably thicker.

Upper stem portion 101 also includes air release valve 110 as previously noted. As implied by its name, air release valve 110 is itself is operative to release air pressure from bag 100. Since delivery hose receiving opening 105 forms a substantially airtight fit around delivery hose 104, the air pressure that is thrust as concrete prime out 116 is deposited into bag 100 is operatively relieved by air release valve 110. Here, the diameter of air release valve 110 is preferably no more than 5 inches.

As indicated by its name, delivery hose receiving opening 105 receives delivery hose 104 of mobile concrete truck 300 (FIG. 3, paragraph [49]). Unlike conventional bags, delivery hose receiving opening 105 is substantially configured to fit around delivery hose 104. When not in use, delivery hose receiving opening 105 is smaller or substantially proximate in diameter to that of the delivery hose 104 outlet. When operative, delivery hose receiving opening can be expanded to fit around delivery hose 104 by virtue of elastic band 106 as further discussed with reference to paragraph [28] below.

Elastic band 106 is adjacent to and laterally disposed around delivery hose receiving opening 105 of bag 100. In its natural state (when inoperative), elastic band 106 is such that it reduces the diameter of delivery hose receiving opening 105 so that it is generally below or the same as that of delivery hose 104.

When stretched by operator 102, elastic band 106 in conjunction with delivery hose receiving opening 105 around the outlet of delivery hose 104 and when released, elastic band 106 in cooperation with delivery hose receiving opening 105 gathers around delivery hose 104 for a substantially secure fit. Elastic band 106 may be configured to form a substantially secure fit around delivery hose 104 having with an outlet ranging from 3-5 inches.

The width W of elastic band 106 is no more than 3/10^(th) the vertical length of upper stem portion 101. Alternatively, at least half of the entire upper stem portion 101 is elasticized to form a rib configuration as further discussed with reference to FIG. 2A. Elastic band 106 is made of elastomeric material such as natural or synthetic rubber.

Upper stem 101 also includes fastener 108, which can be a material such as a wire, cable, synthetic resin or the like. In this example, fastener 108 is use a Velcro™ hook and loop technique. Operator 102 can use fastener 108 to fasten bag 100 to substantially strap delivery hose receiving opening 105 onto and around delivery hose 104. In this manner, bag 100 remains closed and secure as concrete prime out 116 is deposited into bag 100.

Bag seal 112 is operatively disposed and adjacent to lower body portion 103. After concrete prime out 116 is collected, bag seal 112 is operable to substantially close and retain bag 100. In this manner, concrete discharges that can cause environment run off and pollution is avoided. As shown, bag seal 112 is located below air release valve 110 to also avoid leakage via air release valve 110. Although bag seal 112 is shown as a Zip lock type seal, other type seals or locking mechanisms consistent with the spirit and scope of the present invention can be utilized.

Another component of bag 100 is lower body portion 103 as previously noted. It is generally preferred that lower body portion 103 be formed of a continuous material. It is also preferred that lower body portion 103 (and upper stem portion 101) be formed from transparent or translucent material such as LDPE. In this manner, operator 102 can observe concrete prime out 116 during discharge and can switch off the pump once all of concrete prime out 116 has been discharged, and usable concrete begins to flow.

In FIG. 1, lower body portion 103 also has a substantially pear-shaped configuration. Alternate configurations consistent with the spirit and scope of the present invention can be used. For example, bag 100 might be triangular in shape. The pear-shaped configuration as well as tapered upper stem portion 101 of the present invention is preferred as these features prevent bag 100 from being top heavy. The pear-shaped configuration in conjunction with tapered upper stem portion 101 and elastic band 106 also enables bag 100 to remain upright position when concrete prime out 116 is discharged. Unlike conventional bags, bag 100 of the present invention can remain upright with using rebars and without the additional significant expense of using two or more operators.

In use, operator 102 begins by locating a flat surface upon which bag 100 can be placed. Upon locating a flat surface, operator 102 then begins to manipulate boom arm 302 of mobile concrete truck 300 (FIG. 3) to maneuver delivery hose 104 over to the flat surface. At this point, elastic band 106 of bag 100 is stretched by operator 102 so that delivery hose receiving opening 105 can uncoil over and around delivery hose 104.

When released, elastic band 106 in cooperation with delivery hose receiving opening 105 gathers around delivery hose 104 for a substantially secure fit. Here, operator 102 may also use fastener 108 to strap delivery hose receiving opening onto delivery hose 104.

Thus the present invention provides various advantages not hereinbefore disclosed by prior art systems. First, the present configuration enables bag 100 to remain upright without the use of rebars or additional operators that can significantly increase expenses in the form of man-hours. Second, bag 100 of the present invention forms a substantially secure fit around delivery hose such that no accidental discharge of concrete contaminant can occur.

After bag 100 is secured onto delivery hose 104, delivery hose 104 is positioned generally about three feet above the flat surface, with the bottom portion of concrete bag 100 resting on the flat surface. Thereafter, operator 102 can activate the concrete pump to begin discharging concrete prime out 116 into the bag. Another advantage of the present invention is that prime out concrete bag 100 is transparent (or translucent). In this manner, operator 102 can determine when all concrete prime out 116 has been discharged by observation and can then deactivate the concrete pump to terminate delivery.

Without the transparency of bag 100 of the present invention, usable concrete flowing after concrete prime out 116 is discharged can continue to flow into bag 100 such that useful usable concrete is wasted. It is further likely that without transparency, unintentional discharge concrete prime out 116 that can cause environmental runoff and pollution can occur.

After concrete prime out 116 is completely discharged and the concrete pump is deactivated, operator 102 disengage bag 100 by stretching elastic band 106 to remove delivery hose receiving opening 105 from delivery hose 104. Here, bag seal 112 might be employed to substantially seal off bag 100. In this manner, concrete prime out 116 cannot be unintentionally discharged during removal of bag 100.

Once disengaged, bag 100 is removed and is then transformed from a runny concrete prime out 116 into solid state by setting bag 100 aside for a time period. Once set, bag 100 including the hardened concrete prime out 116 can be safely disposed without any risk of environmental or urban run-off pollution typically associated with conventional systems and methods.

FIG. 2A shows concrete pump prime out bag 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 2A, operator 102 can employ wide elastic band 206 for substantially securing bag 200 onto delivery hose 104 (FIG. 1). Here, the Width W of wide elastic band 206 is at least one-half or more of upper stem portion 201, which is elasticized by wide elastic band 206 to form a rib configuration. An advantage of the present embodiment is that bag 200 can form a substantially more secure fit with a wider width W. In fact, use of a fastener (e.g. 108 of FIG. 1) can be eliminated.

Wide elastic band 206 might be formed around the material for upper stem portion 101, or it might be integrated be formed without the material by attaching wide elastic band 206 to lower body portion 103. As shown in FIG. 2A, exemplary bag 200 also includes a wide bottom base 220. Wide bottom base 220 is sufficiently wide to support bag 200 on a flat surface during the discharge of concrete prime out 116 (FIG. 1).

FIG. 2B shows concrete pump prime out bag 207 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 2B, operator 102 can employ fastener 208 for substantially strapping bag 207 onto a delivery hose. As shown, fastener 208 is laterally disposed around stem portion 201 and adjacent to delivery hose receiving opening 205. Unlike the embodiment of FIG. 1, bag 207 does not utilize an elastic band as fastener 208 is adapted to substantially strap delivery hose receiving opening 205 around a delivery hose. Fastener 208 is operable to retain delivery hose receiving opening 205 around a delivery hose as concrete prime out is deposited into bag 207. Bag 207 also includes air valve 210 configured to release air from bag 207 and bag seal 212 adapted to seal bag 207 after concrete prime out is deposited.

FIG. 2C shows a front cross-sectional view of bag 100 of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 2C, outlet 222 of delivery hose 104 defines a passageway for delivering concrete prime out 116 into bag 100. Outlet 222 may be 3″, 4″ or 5″. The relative thickness of the walls of bag 100 is illustrated.

FIG. 3 shows concrete boom pump truck 300 in accordance with the prior art.

In FIG. 1, concrete boom pump truck 300 includes extendable boom arm 302 and receptacle hopper 304. Receptacle hopper 304 is used to form concrete and concrete prime out by combining concrete mix with several yards of water. Concrete prime out is first pumped out followed by concrete. Concrete is pumped to the concrete pour location via delivery hoses (not shown) attachable to supply pipe 302 from receptacle hopper 304. The supply hoses are hoisted and directed by extendable boom arm 302 to the desired pour location.

While the above is a complete description of exemplary specific embodiments of the invention, additional embodiments are also possible. Thus, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents. 

1. A bag configured to collect concrete contaminant produced by a concrete pump truck, wherein said concrete contaminant is received via an outlet of a delivery hose attached to said concrete pump truck, said bag comprising: a tapered stem having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein when said bag is inoperative, said tapered stem forms an inverted funnel configuration from said distal end toward said proximal end; an opening formed at said proximal end of said tapered stem, wherein said opening is operable to receive said delivery hose, wherein said opening is smaller or substantially proximate in diameter to that of said outlet of said delivery hose; an elastic band laterally disposed around said tapered stem and adjacent to said opening, wherein said elastic band is configured to expand said opening to receive said delivery hose, and is operable to contract said opening around said delivery hose to form a substantially secure fit; an air valve disposed on said tapered stem, wherein said air valve is configured to release air pressure formed as concrete contaminant is being deposited in said bag; and a body portion having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said tapered stem being continuously formed with said distal end of said body portion, and wherein said body portion is operable to retain said bag in an upright position as concrete contaminant is deposited into said bag.
 2. The bag of claim 1 wherein said elastic band is configured to substantially fit around said delivery hose with an outlet ranging from 3 to 5 inches.
 3. The bag of claim 1 further comprising a bag seal operable to retain said concrete contaminant in said bag upon deposit of said concrete contaminant.
 4. The bag of claim 1 wherein the tapered stem or body portion is configured to enable an operator to determine a level of concrete contaminant in said bag.
 5. A system adapted to collect concrete prime out produced by a concrete pump truck, wherein said concrete prime out is received via an outlet of a delivery hose attached to said concrete pump truck, said system comprising: means for receiving said delivery hose, wherein said means for receiving is configured to receive said delivery hose ranging from 3 inches to 5 inches; means for holding said concrete prime out, said means for holding having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said means for holding is operable to remain upright as prime out is received by said means for receiving; means for connecting said means for receiving and said means for holding, wherein said means for connecting has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said means for connecting tapers form said distal end toward said proximal end, wherein said proximal end of said means for connecting is continuously formed with said means for receiving and said distal end of said means for connecting is continuously formed with said proximal end of said means for holding; means for fastening, laterally disposed around said means for connecting and adjacent to said means for opening, wherein said means for fastening is configured to substantially strap said means for receiving around said delivery hose, wherein said means for fastening is operable to retain said means for receiving around said delivery hose as concrete prime out is deposited through said means for receiving into said means for holding; and means for releasing air pressure, said means for releasing being disposed on said means for connecting, wherein said means for receiving is operable to release air pressure formed as concrete prime out is deposited in said means for holding.
 6. The system of claim 5 further comprising means for sealing operable to retain said concrete prime out in said system upon receipt of said concrete prime out.
 7. The system of claim 5 further comprising a wide bottom base formed on said distal end of said means for holding, said wide bottom base being operable to retain said bag on a flat surface.
 8. The system of claim 5 wherein said means for holding or means for connecting is at least translucent.
 9. A receptacle for collecting concrete contaminant produced by a concrete pump truck, wherein said concrete contaminant is received through an outlet of a delivery hose attached to said concrete pump truck, said receptacle comprising: a stem having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said stem forms an inverted funnel configuration from said proximal to said distal end; an opening formed at said proximal end of said stem, wherein said opening is operable to receive said delivery hose, an elastic band laterally disposed around said tapered stem and adjacent to said opening, wherein said elastic band is configured to expand said opening to receive said delivery hose, and is operable to form a substantially secure fit around said delivery hose; a valve disposed on said stem, wherein said valve is configured to reduce air pressure formed as concrete contaminant is received in said concrete system; and a body portion having a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end of said stem being continuously formed with said proximal end of said body portion, and wherein said body portion is operable to retain receptacle in an upright position as concrete contaminant is received by said receptacle.
 10. The receptacle of claim 9 wherein said stem and said body portion are formed from low-density polyethylene or polyurethane.
 11. The receptacle of claim 9 wherein said elastic band is configured to substantially fit around said delivery hose having with an outlet ranging from three to five inches.
 12. The receptacle of claim 9 wherein one half of said stem is substantially comprised of said elastic band.
 13. The receptacle of claim 9 further comprising a fastener laterally disposed onto and around said delivery hose, wherein said fastener is configured to substantially strap said opening around said delivery hose.
 14. The receptacle of claim 9 further comprising a base formed on said distal end of said body portion, said base being operable to retain said bag on a flat surface.
 15. A method for collecting and disposing runny concrete contaminant produced by a concrete pump truck, wherein said runny concrete contaminant is received via an outlet of a delivery hose attached to said concrete pump truck, said method comprising: providing a receptacle having an opening formed on a tapered stem, said receptacle having an air valve and a fastener or elastic band all of which are disposed on said tapered stem, said receptacle having a bottom portion thereof; using said fastener or elastic band to secure said opening around an outlet of said delivery hose and thereafter placing a base of said receptacle on a flat surface; initiating discharge of said runny concrete contaminant into said receptacle; using said air valve to release air pressure as said runny concrete contaminant is discharged into said receptacle; determining when all of said runny concrete contaminant has been discharged into said receptacle; upon determining that all of said runny concrete contaminant has been deposited in said receptacle, deactivating discharge of said runny concrete contaminant, detaching said receptacle from said delivery hose; and transforming said runny concrete mixture into solid concrete mixture for disposal. 